Wing Haven Nature Preserve

This map outlines or marks the location of this nature preserve. Hover your mouse over the highlighted area and click for more information. Click and hold your mouse to move the map or use the zooming tools to see more detail or a wider view.

The original part of Wing Haven was a gift of Helen Swenson received in 1983. With other sections added to the complex it now totals 264 acres and has about a mile of trails.

250 acres have been dedicated through IDNR's Division of Nature Preserves.

A chain of beautiful small lakes, marshes, oak-hickory forests and rolling meadows make up this well-named preserve. Sandhill cranes, marsh wrens, red-tailed hawks, rose-breasted grosbeak, wood thrush and blue-winged warblers are some of the many birds. Of the three spring-fed lakes at the preserve, two are appropriately named Gentian and Little Gentian for the vibrant blue wildflower, the Fringed Gentian, which grows along the shores.

Once the homestead of Helen and Ben Swenson, the 19th century log buildings are occupied by our caretakers. A tulip log tavern, used by Helen Swenson as an art studio, is open on the first Sunday of every month except holidays.